Kia Sportage vs Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
The Kia Sportage is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 43 mpg combined versus 29 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, a 14 mpg advantage and costs about $1,150 less per year to fuel.
Across 5 measured categories, the Kia Sportage leads in 5. Figures are EPA test data, not manufacturer claims.
2015–2027
Kia Sportage
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 69 configurations
2016–2027
Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class
Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD · 72 configurations
Head-to-head specifications
| Metric | Kia Sportage | Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class |
|---|---|---|
| Best combined MPG | 43 mpg ✓ | 29 mpg |
| Best city MPG | 42 mpg ✓ | 26 mpg |
| Best highway MPG | 44 mpg ✓ | 33 mpg |
| Lowest annual fuel costEPA estimate at 15,000 miles per year | $1,450 ✓ | $2,600 |
| Lowest CO2 output | 55 g/mi ✓ | 84 g/mi |
| Engines offered | SIDI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI | SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI |
| Transmissions | Automatic (AM-S6), Automatic (S8), Automatic (S6) | Automatic 9-spd, Automatic 7-spd, Automatic (S9) |
| Drivetrains | All-Wheel Drive, Front-Wheel Drive | Rear-Wheel Drive, All-Wheel Drive, 4-Wheel Drive |
| Fuel types | Regular Gas and Electricity, Regular | Premium, Premium and Electricity |
| EPA class | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD | Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD |
| Years covered | 2015–2027 | 2016–2027 |
| Configurations on record | 69 | 72 |
Source: EPA fuel economy records via fueleconomy.gov. Best-case values across all recorded configurations for each model.
Sportage vs GLC-Class: common questions
Which is better on gas, the Kia Sportage or the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class?
The Kia Sportage is the more efficient of the two: it reaches 43 mpg combined versus 29 mpg for the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class, a 14 mpg advantage and costs about $1,150 less per year to fuel.
Which costs less to run per year?
By EPA estimates at 15,000 miles a year, the Kia Sportage runs about $1,450 a year in fuel at its most efficient configuration, versus about $2,600 for the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class — a difference of roughly $1,150 per year.
What engines do the Sportage and GLC-Class offer?
Kia Sportage: SIDI; PHEV, SIDI & PFI, SIDI; Hybrid, SIDI. Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class: SIDI; Mild Hybrid, SIDI; PHEV, SIDI.
Are they in the same vehicle class?
Yes — the EPA classifies both the Kia Sportage and the Mercedes-Benz GLC-Class as Small Sport Utility Vehicle 4WD, so they compete directly.
More Sportage comparisons
Comparison id: kia-sportage-vs-mercedes-benz-glc-class